Universal Pictures Unveils Dark Universe Monster Series

Universal Pictures has unveiled its Dark Universe of monster movies. The brand logo will debut in theaters with The Mummy with music composed by Danny Elfman. The Dark Universe brand will be used for remakes of classic monster movies.

Donna Langley, Chairman, Universal Pictures, says in a statement, "We take enormous pride in the creativity and passion that has inspired the reimagining of Universal's iconic monsters and promise audiences we will expand this series strategically. The enterprise masterfully developed by Chris and Alex will allow each subsequent chapter the right time to find the perfect cast, filmmakers and vision to fulfill it. As we launch Dark Universe with Danny's provocative theme before The Mummy and collaborate with a brilliant filmmaker like Bill to weave the story of a very modern woman in a very classic tale, we feel confident we're off to a tremendous start."

The Mummy starring Tom Cruise and Sofia Boutella is the inaugural film in the new classic monster series. The next film from Dark Universe, Bride of Frankenstein, will be released on Thursday, February 14, 2019. It will be directed by Bill Condon. The above photograph represents major stars in classic monster roles. The Invisible Man will be played by Johnny Depp, Frankenstein's Monster will be played by Javier Bardem and Dr. Henry Jekyll will be played by Russell Crowe.

Elfman says, "I grew up on monsters. Monsters were my life, and these iconic Universal monsters were almost like my family. I simply wouldn't be the same without them. When I got the opportunity to compose a theme for the Dark Universe logo, of course I jumped at it. What could be more fun than connecting to this world that has always been so deeply imbedded in my psyche? I tried to find something that was new but still had some connections with the past—the origins—at least in a subtle way. Something that was looking forward to a creative, fertile, imaginative future that Dark Universe will enter, and at the same time saluting the heritage of the tragic heroes (or anti-heroes) of my childhood. To the Monsters!!!!"